Myroxylon pereirae (balsam of Peru): Still worth testing?

BACKGROUND: Because Myroxylon pereirae (MP), or balsam of Peru, is nowadays almost not used "as such," and fragrance mix 1 (FM1) apparently is more sensitive in detecting fragrance allergy, the usefulness of testing MP in baseline series was recently questioned. OBJECTIVES: Identification of the number of clinically relevant patch test reactions to MP not detected by FM1. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 12 030 patients patch tested with MP and FM1 for contact dermatitis between January 2018 and December 2019 in 13 Italian dermatology clinics. RESULTS: Four hundred thirty-nine patients (3.6%) had a positive patch test reaction to MP; 437 (3.6%) had a positive patch test reaction to FM1. Positive reactions to both MP and FM1 were observed in 119 subjects (1.0%), 310 (2.6%) reacted to MP only, 304 (2.5%) to FM1 only, 5 to MP and sorbitan sesquioleate (SSO), 9 to FM1 and SSO, and 5 to MP, FM1, and SSO. Single sensitizations were clinically relevant in 75.2% of cases for MP (62.9% current, 12.3% past) and 76.3% for FM1 (70.1% current, 6.2% past). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, MP appears to be still worth testing along with FM1 in baseline series, because it allows detection of a remarkable number of fragrance allergies, often relevant, which would be otherwise missed.

Co-encapsulation of imiquimod and copaiba oil in novel nanostructured systems: promising formulations against skin carcinoma.

In this study, two types of cutaneous-directed nanoparticles are proposed for the co-encapsulation of imiquimod (a drug approved for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma) and copaiba oil (oil that exhibits anti-proliferative properties). Nanostructured copaiba capsules (NCCImq) were prepared using the interfacial deposition method, and nanostructured Brazilian lipids (NBLImq) were prepared by high-pressure homogenization. The formulations exhibited average diameter, zeta potential, pH and drug content of approximately 200nm, -12mV, 6 and 1mgmL(-1), respectively. In addition, the formulations exhibited homogeneity regarding particle size, high encapsulation efficiency and stability. Both nanocarriers controlled imiquimod release, and NBLImq exhibited slower drug release (p < 0.05), likely due to increased interaction of the drug with the solid lipid (cupuaçu seed butter). The in vitro evaluation of the imiquimod-loaded nanocarriers was performed using healthy skin cells (keratinocytes, HaCaT); no alteration was observed, suggesting the biocompatibility of the nanocarriers. In addition, in vitro skin permeation/penetration using pig skin was performed, and NCCImq led to increased drug retention in the skin layers and reduced amounts of drug found in the receiver solution. Thus, NCCImq is considered the most promising nanoformulation for the treatment of skin carcinoma.

Copaiba oil effect under different pathways in mice subjected to sepsis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of copaiba oil administered by different routes on survival of mices subjected to cecal ligation and puncture. METHODS: Thirty two mice were distributed into four study groups (N=8): Sham group: normal standard animals; CONTROL GROUP: submitted a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP); Gavage group: submitted a CLP, and treat with copaiba oil by gavage; and Subcutaneous group: submitted a CLP, and treat with copaiba oil by subcutaneous injection. After the death of the histological analysis were performed. The Kaplan-Meier curves of surviving time were realized. RESULTS: All animals that received copaiba, regardless of the route used, survived longer when compared to the control group (p<0.0001), whereas the survival time ranged from 20 hours for the control group up to 32 hours for the animals of gavage group and 52 for subcutaneous group. The animals that received gavage copaiba lived about and about 20 hours unless the subcutaneous group (p=0.0042). There was no statistical difference when compared the intensity of inflammatory response (p>0.05) CONCLUSION: Prophylactic subcutaneous administration of copaiba in mice subjected to severe sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture, resulted in a survival time higher than non-use or use of this oil by gavage.

Copaiba oil effect under different pathways in mice subjected to sepsis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of copaiba oil administered by different routes on survival of mices subjected to cecal ligation and puncture. METHODS: Thirty two mice were distributed into four study groups (N=8): Sham group: normal standard animals; Control group: submitted a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP); Gavage group: submitted a CLP, and treat with copaiba oil by gavage; and Subcutaneous group: submitted a CLP, and treat with copaiba oil by subcutaneous injection. After the death of the histological analysis were performed. The Kaplan-Meier curves of surviving time were realized. RESULTS: All animals that received copaiba, regardless of the route used, survived longer when compared to the control group (p<0.0001), whereas the survival time ranged from 20 hours for the control group up to 32 hours for the animals of gavage group and 52 for subcutaneous group. The animals that received gavage copaiba lived about and about 20 hours unless the subcutaneous group (p=0.0042). There was no statistical difference when compared the intensity of inflammatory response (p>0.05) CONCLUSION: Prophylactic subcutaneous administration of copaiba in mice subjected to severe sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture, resulted in a survival time higher than non-use or use of this oil by gavage. .

[Preparation stimulating hair growth possibly acts by inhibiting hair follicle ageing experiments on mice and transcriptome analysis].

Preparation stimulating hair growth (PSHG) was studied on mice of various strains (Balb/c, CBA, C57BI/6, and outbred). It was shown that a long-term (44 months) application of PSHG does not reliably affect the appearance of young healthy mice but does induce increase in the hair follicle size. No adverse consequences of the PSHG application were observed. Naturally occurring propagating regenerative hair waves peculiar to mice were preserved. In older mice (more than 2 years) with signs of alopecia, application of PSHG caused an overgrowing of bald patches within two months. Transcriptome analysis of the PSHG effect performed in fibroblast cell culture showed that PSHG stimulates processes of tissue development and remodeling. These observations together with previous findings showing that PSHG stimulates autophagy and induces death of cells subjected to oxidative stress may suggest that the mechanism of the PSHG effect involves stimulation of regeneration of skin and its derivatives owing to more efficient elimination of senescent and damaged follicle cells.

[Possible role of autophagy activation in the stimulation of regeneration].

Human cell senescence occurs unevenly and senescent cells in tissues frequently can disturb the function of neighbouring nonsenescent ones. Setting of tissues regeneration can have profound practical significance in medicine, especially in geriatrics. One of the approaches to solve the problem is selective elimination of senescent and damaged cells from the tissues that can be the first phase of the process. During the investigation of the mechanisms of action of the preparation for hair growth stimulation it was discovered that this preparation does not stimulate proliferation of various human cells and does not increase the resistance of cells to stress. On the contrary the preparation becomes cytotoxic at the conditions of oxidative stress although on its own account it did not induce elevation of production of reactive oxygen species. Further investigations showed that the preparation increases transcriptional activity of p53 gene, increase autophagy level and induce weak adipogenic differentiation. The hypothesis of autophagic regeneration is discussed. As a result, the selective autophagic cell death of any senescent and damaged cells that undergoes oxidative stress triggers the regeneration process which can be increased by both the rejuvenation effect of increased autophagy and at the expense of nutrients released during the autophagy.

Rupture point analysis of intestinal anastomotic healing in rats under the action of pure Copaíba (Copaifera Iangsdorfii) oil.

PURPOSE: Analyze the mechanical strength of digestive tract scar after intestinal anastomosis surgery in animals treated with pure Copaíba oil. METHODS: 60 Wistar rats, male, about 250 days old and weighting around 350g were used. The rats were randomly divided into two groups: Group O, with 30 animals that received Copaíba oil and Group C, with 30 animals that received saline. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups, containing 10 rats each. They were designated O7, O14, O28, C7, C14 and C28, according to the post-operative assessment date at 7, 14 and 28 days, respectively. On these dates euthanasia was performed with the removal of the bowel segment containing the anastomosis and assigning the samples to tensile test for assessing Maximum Stress, Maximum Tensile Strength and Maximum Rupture Strength. RESULTS: On the three variables of the study, the results indicate that, for the three assessment periods (7, 14 and 28 days) there was no significant difference between the oil and control groups. CONCLUSION: For the mechanical tests proposed by this study, Copaíba oil didn t show any effectiveness in increasing the anatomosis strength.

Rupture point analysis of intestinal anastomotic healing in rats under the action of pure Copaíba (Copaifera Iangsdorfii) oil / Análise do ponto de ruptura na cicatrização de anastomose intestinal em ratos tratados com óleo de Copaíba (Copaifera Iangsdorfii) puro

PURPOSE: Analyze the mechanical strength of digestive tract scar after intestinal anastomosis surgery in animals treated with pure Copaíba oil. METHODS: 60 Wistar rats, male, about 250 days old and weighting around 350g were used. The rats were randomly divided into two groups: Group O, with 30 animals that received Copaíba oil and Group C, with 30 animals that received saline. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups, containing 10 rats each. They were designated O7, O14, O28, C7, C14 and C28, according to the post-operative assessment date at 7, 14 and 28 days, respectively. On these dates euthanasia was performed with the removal of the bowel segment containing the anastomosis and assigning the samples to tensile test for assessing Maximum Stress, Maximum Tensile Strength and Maximum Rupture Strength. RESULTS: On the three variables of the study, the results indicate that, for the three assessment periods (7, 14 and 28 days) there was no significant difference between the oil and control groups. CONCLUSION: For the mechanical tests proposed by this study, Copaíba oil didn´t show any effectiveness in increasing the anatomosis strength.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a resistência mecânica da cicatriz do tubo digestivo, após cirurgia de anastomose intestinal em animais tratados com óleo da Copaíba puro. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 60 ratos Wistar, machos, com cerca de 250 dias e peso médio de 350g. Os ratos foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: Grupo O, com 30 animais, que receberam óleo da Copaíba e Grupo C, com 30 animais, que receberam solução fisiológica. Cada grupo foi subdividido em três subgrupos, contendo 10 ratos cada. Suas denominações foram O7, O14, O28, C7, C14 e C28, segundo o tempo de avaliação pós-operatória em 7, 14 e 28 dias, respectivamente. Nessas datas foi realizada a eutanásia com a retirada do segmento intestinal contendo a anastomose, destinando as amostras ao teste de tração para a apreciação da Tensão Máxima, Força Máxima de Tração e Força Máxima de Ruptura. RESULTADOS: Nas três variáveis do estudo, os resultados indicam que, para os três momentos de avaliação (7, 14 e 28 dias) não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos óleo e controle. CONCLUSÃO: Para os testes mecânicos a que este estudo se propôs o óleo de Copaíba não se mostrou eficaz em aumentar a resistência da anatomose.

Acute allergic contact dermatitis of the lips from peppermint oil in a lip balm.

The etiology of cheilitis is often not readily apparent. We present a case series of four patients with allergic contact cheilitis (ACC) secondary to exposure to peppermint oil contained in a lip balm product. These patients developed eczematous dermatitis involving their lips and perioral skin. They were tested with the North American Contact Dermatitis Group standard series as well as with an expanded series of flavoring agents, sunscreens, plant and fragrance components, and their own products. The lip balm contained potential sensitizers such as propolis, lanolin, coconut oil, almond oil, peppermint oil, and vitamin E. Our patch-test results showed that peppermint oil was the most likely culprit in these patients' ACC. Peppermint oil is less commonly reported as causing ACC than are more common contactants such as balsam of Peru or nickel sulfate. However, with the widespread use of lip balms containing peppermint oil, more cases of peppermint oil-induced ACC may be expected.

Acute effect of Copaifera reticulata Ducke copaiba oil in rats tested in the elevated plus-maze: an ethological analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Copaiba oil oleoresin exuded from Copaifera reticulata Ducke (CRD) is commonly used in anti-inflammatory, healing and anti-tumoral folk medicines. The purpose of this study was to investigate the putative anxiolytic effect of acute administration of CRD. METHODS: CRD was administered (100, 400 and 800 mg/kg, p.o.) to male Wistar rats submitted to the elevated plus-maze model of anxiety using an ethopharmacological analysis. KEY FINDINGS: In comparison with control rats, CRD increased the percentage of entries in the open arms over the entire dose range tested (vehicle, 33.6 +/- 4.5; CRD 100 mg/kg, 44.67 +/- 3.68; CRD 400 mg/kg, 47.2 +/- 2.3; CRD 800 mg/kg, 50.7 +/- 2.2) and the percentage of time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus-maze at the highest dose (800 mg/kg) (vehicle, 26.4 +/- 5.7; CRD 800 mg/kg, 52.0 +/- 2.7). A standard anxiolytic, diazepam (3 mg/kg, p.o.), was used as a positive control. In a similar way, diazepam increased the percentage of entries and time spent in the open arms when compared with vehicle (% open entries: vehicle, 45.4 +/- 1.3; diazepam, 50.7 +/- 1.9; % time spent in open arms: vehicle, 28.2 +/- 0.9; diazepam, 38.9 +/- 1.2). Regarding ethological measures, CRD at the highest dose (800 mg/kg) reduced peeping out (anxiety-related behaviour) (vehicle, 3.1 +/- 0.6; CRD, 0.9 +/- 0.2) and increased end-arm activity (vehicle, 0.2 +/- 0.2; CRD, 2.0 +/- 0.4), indicating an enhanced tendency of the rats to explore actively the potentially dangerous areas of the maze. Diazepam decreased peeping out (vehicle, 3.3 +/- 0.3; diazepam, 1.0 +/- 0.2) and flat-back approach (vehicle, 0.8 +/- 0.2; diazepam, 0.2 +/- 0.1) and increased end-arm activity (vehicle, 0.3 +/- 0.1; diazepam, 2.5 +/- 0.3) and head-dipping (vehicle, 8.2 +/- 0.4; diazepam, 12.0 +/- 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: These data showed, for the first time, that acute treatment with CRD copaiba oil produced a dose-dependent anxiolytic-like effect over the dose range tested, on conventional and ethological parameters, without adversely affecting general activity levels.

Trends of contact allergy to fragrance mix I and Myroxylon pereirae among Danish eczema patients tested between 1985 and 2007.

BACKGROUND: Fragrance contact allergy has for long been recognized as an important health issue. In Denmark, the frequency of fragrance mix (FM) I contact allergy increased between 1985-1986 and 1997-1998 among male and female dermatitis patients. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the development of FM I and Myroxylon pereirae (MP) contact allergy between 1985 and 2007 with an emphasis on recent years. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patch test data from our database was performed. Comparison of sensitivity rates was made using a chi-squared test for trend. Logistic regression analyses were used to test for associations. RESULTS: Of 16,173 patients, 7.2% were sensitized to FM I and 4% to MP. FM I contact allergy was associated with female sex [odds ratio (OR) = 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.33-1.74] and age between 41 and 60 years (OR = 3.20; 95% CI = 1.98-5.21). Significant declines of FM I and MP reactions among women but not men were observed between 1999 and 2007. CONCLUSIONS: Although the frequency of FM I contact allergy has decreased in Denmark in recent years, it is still high. Furthermore, fragrance contact allergy is caused by other important allergens not included in this analysis. Allergic contact reactions to the ingredients of FM I remain a problem in European consumers.

Management of radiation dermatitis in a patient after mastectomy.

Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy and radiation are at high risk of developing acute radiation dermatitis. The purpose of this case study is to explore an alternative topical therapy for skin toxicity in the post-radiation care of a patient with a history of breast cancer. The patient, a 54-year-old white female, was treated by modified radical mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. During post-radiation therapy the patient developed wet desquamation reaction over the midincision line into the right axilla. Balsam Peru, hydrogenated castor oil, trypsin (Xenaderm Healthpoint, San Antonio, Tex) was trialed to evaluate efficacy in providing wound healing to the denuded skin. Within 14 days of treatment, the area was completely healed and topical therapy stopped. This case study provides the basis for further research into the area of topical therapy for women with moist desquamation after radiation for breast cancer.

The effect of different formulations of equivalent active ingredients on the performance of two topical wound treatment products.

Product selection for the management of pressure ulcers or perineal dermatitis is typically based on consideration of active ingredients, but a growing body of evidence suggests that delivery vehicles also may influence product safety and efficacy. A 10-day, randomized, controlled experimental study was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of two prescription products used for the treatment of pressure ulcers and perineal dermatitis. Both products contain equivalent active ingredients (balsam of Peru, castor oil, and trypsin), but one product delivers these ingredients in an ointment base while the other uses an aerosol spray. Sixty healthy volunteers (> 65 years of age) underwent intentional creation of two equivalent skin wounds (approximately 6 mm in diameter) using an Erbium-YAG laser. Volunteers served as their own control. Wounds were randomized to treatment with one of the balsam of Peru products or saline. Wounds were evaluated every other day. Significant differences between treatments were observed for most outcome variables (edema, scabbing, erythema, epithelialization). Wounds managed with the ointment-based product had lower edema, scabbing, and erythema scores and higher epithelialization scores than the spray or saline managed wounds. The results of this study confirm that formulation of the vehicle base can have a significant effect on product safety and effectiveness.

Investigation on the wound healing activity of oleo-resin from Copaifera langsdorffi in rats.

The wound healing activity of oleo-resin from Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. (Leguminaceae) bark was evaluated in rats on experimental wounds. The oleo-resin was tested by monitoring wound contraction in excised wounds and by measuring tensile strength in healing incision wounds. The topical application of oleo-resin at a concentration of 4% accelerated wound contraction in open wounds. The mean values of wound contraction in oleo-resin treated rats on day 9 was 84.05% +/- 2.37% as against 51.29% +/- 9.54% seen in controls and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). No significant differences in the rates of wound contraction were observed on days 12, 15, 18 and 21. Also, the tensile strength in healing incised wounds was found to be significantly higher in the group of animals treated with 4% oleo-resin on day 5 but not on days 7 and 12 (controls: 35.95 +/- 7.44 g/cm; oleo-resin: 71.48 +/- 5.77 g/cm; p < 0.05). These results indicate the beneficial effect of C. langsdorffii oleo-resin on wound healing and justify its traditional use for the treatment of wounds.

Alveolar osteitis prevention by immediate placement of medicated packing.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether immediate placement of medicated dry socket packing would decrease the incidence of alveolar osteitis (dry socket) with lower third molar extractions. STUDY DESIGN: In 100 patients, 200 lower third molars were extracted. One half of the sockets were packed to the crest of the alveolar ridge with a one-quarter-inch radiograph-detectable filament gauze that contained 9% eugenol, 36% balsam of Peru, and 55% petroleum jelly. The medicated packing was removed 1 week after surgery. None of the patients were taking antibiotics. Patients were instructed to increase their oral hygiene before and after surgery and were to use 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate 2 days before and 3 days after surgery. RESULTS; Two hundred bilateral lower third molars of varying difficulty were extracted. The overall alveolar osteitis rate was 34 (17%). The immediately packed lower third molar sites had an alveolar osteitis rate of 8 (8%). The sockets that were not packed with medicated packing the day of surgery had an alveolar osteitis rate of 26 (26%). The difference was statistically significant (P =.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that placement of medicated dry socket packing immediately after lower third molar extraction decreases the alveolar osteitis rate.

Assessment of balsam of Peru patch tests.

To find an ideal test technique for as low a dose of balsam of Peru (Myroxylon Pereirae) as possible, subjects testing positive to balsam of Peru are re-tested with a 25% concentration of balsam of Peru in petrolatum. Applications are with Finn Chambers for 6 different application times, and directly by foils for 96 h (4 days (D)). The goals are to confirm which subjects are positive and which are not, and, using that information, to see if it is possible to distinguish between these 2 groups, tested concomitantly at much lower serial dose levels, in terms of perfusion or by visual assessments. 5 different serial doses are applied with strips for 3-96 h (4D) and with foils for 96 h (4D). The Finn Chamber tests allow a distinction between visually positive and negative subjects supported by perfusion assessments. With the foils, a 24x lower serial dose level than with the 25% test substance is sufficient to distinguish between positive and negative subjects in terms of perfusion values. This approach requires readings up to 9 days. With this test, the visual approach yields only 3 of 10 positive subjects. This study demonstrates that a lower test dose is possible with perfusion assessments compared to visual ones.

Influência da pasta Sultan sobre o processo de reparo em alvéolo dental infectado: análise histológica em ratos / The influence of the Sultan's paste over delayed healing of wound extraction: a histological study in rats

O processo de reparo do alvéolo infectado de ratos (Rattus norvegicus, albinus, Wistar) foi avaliado após a limpeza cirúrgica e irrigaçäo com soro fisiológico seguida do preenchimento da loja com a pasta Sultan. Para tanto, todos os animais utilizados (8 ratos doadores e outros 60 animais experimentais) tiveram o incisivo central superior direito extraído e, alveolite provocada experimentalmente, nos animais doadores e naqueles dos Grupos I, II, III e IV. Os 60 ratos experimentais constituíram os seguintes Grupos: I. Alveolite sem tratamento; II. Limpeza cirúrgica e irrigaçäo; III. Pasta Sultan, apenas; IV. Limpeza cirúrgica e irrigaçäo mais pasta Sultan. Os animais, em número de cinco em cada grupo, foram sacrificados aos 6, 15 e 28 dias pós-operatórios e as peças obtidas incluídas em parafina, cortadas e coradas com hematoxilina e eosina para análise em microscopia óptica. Os resultados foram submetidos a análise qualitativa. Com base nos resultados foi possível concluir que: (1) O grupo da alveolite teve o reparo alveolar comprometido quanto a sua cronologia; (2) O grupo da limpeza cirúrgica seguida da irrigaçäo alveolar foi o que apresentou resultados superiores; (3) a pasta Sultan näo deve ser utilizada como curativo de preenchimento alveolar para o tratamento da alveolite